Moving Experiences: Stories of the CTA

Latest Episodes:

"Control Center: The Heartbeat of CTA" Aug 13, 2026

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Go behind the glass at the CTA Control Center Operations (CCO)—the 24/7 nerve center for CTA's bus and rail network. In the eighth episode of Moving Experiences, CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen sits down with CCO Vice President Randall Gray and CCO General Manager Tonisha Chambers-Johnson. Together, they discuss what a “typical” day looks like, how the team navigates major city events like the Chicago Marathon, the DNC, Lollapalooza and baseball games, and how they keep riders informed during unexpected service disruptions.

“Of Chicago” Jul 20, 2026

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Acting President Leerhsen sits down with Co-owner & Operating Chairman of the WNBA championship-winning team Chicago Sky, Nadia Rawlinson in the latest episode of Moving Experiences: Stories of the CTA. The discussion highlights the overlap between the Sky and CTA— two institutions that are not just in Chicago but, as discussed, “of Chicago.”

“Community Inspired” Jul 08, 2026

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Acting President Nora Leerhsen sits down with three of the women who have pours their hearts, souls and talents into making the Red Line Extension project a reality.

“Just Enjoy the Ride” Dec 03, 2025

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CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen talks with Chance the Rapper about how this new, one-of-a-kind partnership came to be, plus the global hip-hop superstar shares his experiences about growing up in Chicago, including being a CTA rider. The two discuss the intersection of different art mediums and how it has inspired Chance’s work, particularly his latest album, "STAR LINE." Chance breaks down some of the tracks from the album and gives a behind-the-scenes look into his method, partnerships and stories behind the lyrics.

“We Built it for Them” Sep 18, 2025

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This summer, CTA reopened four Red Line stations in Edgewater and Uptown—making Phase One of the Red Purple Modernization Project the largest completed transit investment in CTA history. In this episode, Acting President Nora Leerhsen invited two members of the team who have been instrumental to RPM to share their stories about what it took to make history.

"If It Has a Name, It Has a History" Jun 30, 2025

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Shermann “Dilla” Thomas, Chicago’s urban historian, takes a ride with CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen before sitting down for a conversation on history and connection.

"Living Proof" Apr 30, 2025

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Everyone deserves a second chance. CTA employs over 11,400 people from all walks of life, who come to the public transit profession for different reasons. For many, CTA has been a place to start again, when their ability to find gainful employment is hampered by a past that involves incarceration or other life challenges such as domestic violence or homelessness that can be barriers to getting their lives back on track.

April is Second Chance Month and in recognition of CTA’s Second Chance Program and the people it benefits, this episode highlights Sidney Pruett, an employee who successfully completed the program and found a full time, permanent job at CTA. We also hear from Kim Robinson, Vice President of Training and Workforce Development, who coordinates the program.

CTA’s Second Chance Program is a nationally recognized initiative that provides valuable job skills and career development for Chicagoans looking to make it back and contribute something to society.

"You Just Happen to be a Woman" Mar 31, 2025

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CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen hosts a conversation with Director of Bus Operations Arlana Johnson and Vice-President of Rail Operations Jeannie Alexander.

Welcome to Moving Experiences: Stories of the CTA Mar 27, 2025

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Stories of the CTA from its employees, its riders, and the people who love the system.

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